It is all part of the preparations for Safer Internet Day 2016, which takes place on February 9. The global event – organised in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre – provides an opportunity to engage with young people about key issues related to online safety.
Earlier this year, more than 850 UK schools took part in the event, with research by the UK Safer Internet Centre showing that a third of the 11 to 16-year-olds who took part changed something about how they used the internet as a result. A third also said they spoke to someone in their family about online safety.
The 2016 theme is “Play your part for a better internet” and organisers are sharing ideas with schools to help them mark the event.
These include, in lessons or assembly time, exploring the safe and positive use of technology. The Safer Internet Day education packs offer resources, plans and quick activities for teachers and will be published soon. There is also a resource pack for parents/carers.
Other ideas include running competitions to produce posters or apps, displaying the Safer Internet Day posters around the school, or getting students themselves to lead the activities on the day – especially if your school has a Digital Leaders scheme.
To support schools, the UK Safer Internet Centre is hosting two Twitter Q&As to give more ideas. These are taking place from 4:30pm on Tuesday (November 24) and on January 12. Those wishing to take part should tweet @UK_SIC with your questions and include the hashtag #SID2016.
For more on the event, visit www.saferinternet.org.uk